González, Henry B. (Henry Barbosa), 1916-2000

Henry Barbosa González (born Enrique Barbosa González; May 3, 1916 – November 28, 2000) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Texas's 20th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1961 to 1999.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, he graduated from Jefferson High School there before earning an associate's degree from San Antonio College, attending the University of Texas at Austin, and earning a bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the St. Mary’s University School of Law. During World War II, he served as a navy and an army intelligence censor for radio broadcasts and cable traffic. From 1943 to 1946, González was assistant chief probation officer for Bexar County’s juvenile court. He resigned from his post as chief probation officer when a local judge forbade him to hire an African American for his staff. Later Gonzaléz worked for the San Antonio Housing Authority. González served on the San Antonio City Council from 1953 to 1956. As a city councilmember, González helped desegregate swimming pools and other public accommodations in San Antonio.

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